DMG cuts jobs, Global shows; promotes execs

Tradeshow producer DMG World Media reorganized its business-to-retail division into three teams, downsizing staff at the company's GLM White Plains office. DMG acquired GLM, formerly George Little Management and manager of many gift shows, in 2007.

As part of the reorganization, Alan Steel, previously executive vice president and partner of GLM, was named executive vice president of business-to-retail.

Steel told Gifts & Decorative Accessories, “the B2R restructuring — which creates three teams, headed by senior vice presidents Phil Robinson and Dorothy Belshaw in White Plains, and Lori Kisner in Atlanta — will maximize efficiencies and maintain profitability in a challenging economic climate.”

Steel explained that “Two key factors prompted this change. Firstly, market conditions, which are beyond our control, have led to a softening of some of our B2R industries. As a result, we are cancelling some under-performing shows and outsourcing some existing responsibilities,” he added.

“Secondly, DMG world media's recently completed integration of GLM, led us to review our current structure,” he continued.” This reorganization makes us more sales driven, and while it unfortunately has resulted in some staff reductions in the short term, it better positions us for long-term growth.”

According to Tradeshow Executive, a trade publication, 31 employees were let go in the White Plains office. Steel also told that publication that the reorganization would have a direct impact on the New York International Gift Fair and several other shows.

GLM later announced several personnel changes at the NYIGF.

Christian Falkenberg, a GLM vice president and 16-year tradeshow industry veteran, will become manager of NYIGF; and Danielle Johnson and Liz Beauregard have been promoted to sales managers of the At Home and Handmade divisions, respectively. As part of these changes, which are effective immediately, two GLM sales managers have joined the NYIGF team and three of the Fair's current sales managers have been assigned new responsibilities for NYIGF.

As show manager, Falkenberg is responsible for sales, marketing, management and operations of market. Falkenberg reports directly to Belshaw, who will retain her responsibilities as NYIGF director.

Sales managers reporting directly to Falkenberg include: Liz Beauregard (Handmade); Paula Bertolotti (New York's Newest, New Applicants); Marc Delman (Tabletop & Housewares); Melissa Engongoro (Extracts, Personal Accessories); Danielle Johnson (At Home); Scott Kramer (General Gift); Randi Mohr (At Home, Studio, Value Added Program); Priscila Onou (Accent on Design, Personal Accessories & Details).

According to Tradeshow Week — sister publication to Home Accents Today — DMG canceled the Global Home Textiles and Global Home Decor shows, which had been co-located in Las Vegas, and terminated its management contract for the Affordable Meetings shows.

Jack Withiam, another top GLM executive, was named senior vice president and general counsel of DMG world media, while George “Jeff” Little II will remain as a strategic adviser to Steel. The company also promoted Duncan Payne to the newly created position of executive vice-president, business development. Payne, who works out of Toronto, most recently served as regional vice president for DMG's home interest North America group.